May 23, 1997

New Orleans: Payne, Restrepo, Edwards (Storkson 68), Benjamin, Brown, Rocke, Smotherman, Gentile (Rhode 77), Blanchard (Rebuck 71), Owens (Wellington 58), Trotman.

Seattle:  Hudock, James, Jenkins, McNiel, Watson, Aunger, Stoddard, Hoggan, Amusu (Galvezon 46), Gailey, Adair.

Cautions: Watson (S), Adair (S)

Shots: NO 14, SEA 9
Saves: Payne 5, Hudock 5
Corners: NO 6, SEA 5
Fouls: NO 6, SEA 9
Offsides: NO 2, SEA 3

The Seattle Sounders grabbed first place in the A-League Pacific Division with a 0-2 win at the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers. Vancouver lost at Atlanta 3-2 the same day, giving up the top berth in the table.

Mike Gailey put the Sounders out in front at 28' with his fourth goal of the year.  Rookie Scott Jenkins crossed to the far post and Gailey settled the ball before hitting the upper left corner with his shot.

Three minutes later 18-year-old Justin Stoddard added an insurance goal, the first of his professional career.  Stoddard, positioned 8 yards out, took a low cross from the left and punched home a hard right footer.  Stoddard had been moved up into the midfield to supply additional toughness and quickness to the Sounder attack.

"Justin, as we say, always has a long way to go," laughed coach Neil Megson.  "But tonight he made his mark."

Sounder goalkeeper Dusty Hudock has shut out the road trip thus far and has four consecutive shutouts, tying the club record set last year by Marcus Hahnemann.  Hudock has a goals against average ov 0.80.

"Dusty is really coming into his own," said Megson.  "I've said it before and I'll say it again - he's the best 'keeper in the league."

The Sounders complete their road trip Sunday at the Orlando Sundogs.  They then return home to face the El Paso Patriots on June 1, followed by the MLS San Jose Clash on June 4.